The Labour Party (LP) led by Senator Nenadi Usman has debunked claims of any plan to expel its 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, describing the reports as a desperate smear campaign orchestrated by political impostors.
In a statement issued by Ken Eluma Asogwa, Senior Special Adviser to the Acting National Chairman, the party dismissed the alleged National Executive Council (NEC) meeting as “laughable, illegal, and the handiwork of political jesters.”
The controversy erupted following a television appearance by Abayomi Arabambi, a former factional publicity secretary, who hinted at plans to expel Obi from the party. But the LP leadership swiftly discredited the claims, asserting that those peddling the rumour lack legal standing and are not affiliated with the party’s legitimate structure.
“The attention of the Labour Party has been drawn to plans by a group of political jesters—unknown to the Party but parading themselves as members—to convene a kangaroo meeting with the aim of sowing confusion and mischief in the ongoing coalition efforts involving His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi,” the statement read.
The party alleged that the campaign was being fueled by “shadowy interests” desperate to weaken Obi’s growing influence and derail his coalition-building efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“These impostors, acting on behalf of shadowy interests, intend to purport an expulsion of Mr. Obi from the Labour Party—a move as laughable as it is illegal,” the party said.
The Labour Party reaffirmed its support for Peter Obi’s coalition engagements, recalling a statement issued on May 25, 2025, in which the leadership declared its full backing for Obi’s efforts to form a credible alternative political platform.
“The Labour Party made it categorically clear that Mr. Peter Obi’s involvement in the coalition talks enjoys the full backing and blessing of the leadership of the Party,” Asogwa said.
The party also cautioned media outlets and the general public against amplifying voices from what it described as “meddlesome interlopers” whose only political currency lies in targeting Obi.
Citing the Supreme Court judgment of April 4, 2025, the LP emphasized that those laying claim to leadership had long lost any legal or moral authority to speak for the party.
“On what legal or moral authority, then, do they stand to make any pronouncement on behalf of the Labour Party?” the statement asked.
In a final note, the party urged the public to disregard any communication not issued through the office of the Acting National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, describing the latest developments as “the desperate last kick of a dying horse.”